At Sierra-Olympia Technologies, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of infrared imaging technology. We’ve been diligently working to bring a significant addition to our uncooled product line: the MIPI interface. This development is a game-changer for engineers and developers looking for seamless integration between high-performance infrared sensors and modern processing systems.

MIPI stands for Mobile Industry Processor Interface Protocol. It is a digital standard designed to efficiently transfer data from a camera to a processing unit. Originally developed for mobile devices, MIPI has become the backbone of modern imaging systems, enabling direct integration with compact and powerful computing platforms.

Introducing the Sierra-Olympia MIPI Developer’s Kit

To simplify MIPI integration, we have developed a complete MIPI Developer’s Kit, with the popular NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ platform. The developer’s kit includes an adapter board that bridges our sensor technology with the MIPI interface. The developer’s kit serves two primary functions:

  1. Operational demonstration: Offers a plug-and-play imaging experience within the NVIDIA ecosystem. Immediately capture frames/video to evaluate sensor output and experiment with architecture.
  2. Design demonstration: Offers a reference design for drivers and acquisition software useful for integration with other processing platforms and SoC’s

This development kit is currently available with our popular Tenum 640 and Tenum 1280 models. The hardware interface supports both a Raspberry Pi style 22-pin interface as well as a 28-pin interface (compatible with Basler and Sightline Applications).

MIPI Development Kit
MIPI Development kit with Tenum 640

NVIDIA Jetson: The Powerhouse Behind AI and Autonomy Applications

One of the most common processors in the embedded AI and robotics community is the NVIDIA Jetson Orin™. Recognizing its widespread adoption, we designed our developer’s kit to integrate seamlessly with the Jetson Nano platform. This allows engineers to leverage the following features:

  • AI and Machine Learning Applications: Jetson’s powerful GPU capabilities enable real-time processing and advanced AI-driven analytics.
  • Autonomous Systems: Ideal for robotic vision, drones, and self-navigating vehicles.
  • Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Standard interfaces including HDMI, Ethernet, and USB for direct input and monitoring.

The NVIDIA Jetson Orin™ functions as a complete standalone computer, making it easier than ever to develop, test, and deploy thermal imaging applications.

Contact your sales representative for more information about compatibility with other processing platforms.

Why MIPI Matters for the Future of Infrared Imaging

As technology evolves, so do the demands for high-speed, low-latency image processing. MIPI offers several advantages over traditional interfaces:

  • Compact Form Factor: Enables integration into small, lightweight embedded systems.
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: Facilitates real-time processing for AI, robotics, and automation.
  • Scalability: Supports a range of sensor resolutions/configurations, from small mobile applications to large-scale industrial implementations, as well as a wide range of computing and processing platforms.

By adopting MIPI, engineers can create more compact, power-efficient, and high-performance infrared imaging systems tailored for the next generation of technology.

Conclusion

With our new MIPI Developer’s Kit, Sierra-Olympia is providing engineers with the tools they need to integrate cutting-edge infrared sensors into AI-driven and autonomous platforms. Whether you are working on robotics, AI-based vision systems, or real-time thermal monitoring, the combination of our Tenum 640/1280 sensors and the MIPI interface will streamline your development process.

If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out!

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